Head Games

Reconnoitering Your Opponents During the Early Levels of Tournaments

The Pros: Dan Kelly, Bryan Paris, and Stephen Chidwick Craig Tapscott: What kind of information should a player look for during the first few levels when you sit down at a table for a live tournament? Dan Kelly: When you first sit down at the table you should look around at everyone and try to get an idea of what kind of players they are. First impressions can be misleading, but often you can gather some information based on a player’s appearance and demeanor. Most importantly, you should pay attention to the action of every hand, even if you are not involved. Since you see so few hands live, it is crucial to take advantage of all available information. It is tempting to zone out and play games on your phone or iPad when not in a hand, but forcing yourself to stay focused will help pass the time. Paying attention ...